Radio Producer

Radio producers are responsible for the content of broadcasts on the radio, the internet and other mobile platforms. The producers are involved in the entire process. Producers work with broadcasting assistants, presenters, IT staff and engineers. Producers can work in publicy funded, voluntary or commecial secrtos of broadcasting. The are part of the digital revoloution which is having a great impact on the way that radio is produced and assessed.


The specific responsibility of a radio programme will vary depending on the station. Typical work activities will include -

• developing content, writing material for scripts, bulletins and links;
• sourcing potential contributors and interviewees;
• selecting music appropriate to the programme, the audience and the station;
• producing pre-production briefings for presenters, reporters, technical staff and other contributors;
• managing the logistics of getting people, resources and equipment together to the right place at the right time;
• undertaking editing, interviewing and reporting duties as necessary;
• presenting programmes or managing presenters for both pre-recorded and recorded output;
• checking that copyrights are cleared and understanding media law;
• converting text, graphics, video and audio files into other formats;
• contributing to and making use of an archive of audio resources which can be re-used;
• responding to audience feedback, referring on to other departments as necessary;
• producing and making use of user-generated content;
• using technology, such as Radioman, Cool Edit Pro, Protools and Adobe Audition, for editing and production purposes;
• ensuring that health and safety standards and trade union requirements are met.

Training and qualifications
Although a degree is not always essential, the majority of Radio Producers are graduates. However, Radio employers do not necessarily expect the degree to be in a media-related subject, and may even prefer their recruits to have degrees in other disciplines - particularly those related to the radio genre in which they wish to work.